Senate urged to assess Pax Silica impact
MANILA, Philippines — A resolution to assess the potential impacts of Pax Silica on the Philippines was filed before the Senate amid growing concerns about its consequences.
Senate Resolution No. 571 was filed by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, who urged the upper chamber to determine whether the existing laws and policies in the country are enough to regulate Pax Silica.
“While such investments may contribute significantly to economic growth, technology transfer, innovation, and job creation, they have likewise generated public concerns and policy questions,” Tulfo said in a press release issued by the Senate on Wednesday, August 12.
In April, the Philippines joined the US-led initiative on artificial intelligence and manufacturing industries aimed at promoting AI and semiconductor supply chains in the country.
It is a 1,620-hectare high-tech industrial hub set to be built at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) earlier said that Pax Silica is expected to be fully developed within 30 years, with the initial phase eyed to start in 2028.
However, farmers and the Aeta community in Capas pushed back and initiated a petition against the project, raising concerns about displacement and negative impacts on the environment and farmers' livelihoods.
Their petition had gathered nearly 400,000 signatures as of August 6.
Aeta chieftain of Sapang Kawayan Petroniza Capriz-Muñoz said in a press briefing last week that they will stand their ground against the project.
“Kaming mga katutubo, ang buhay namin ay lupa. Siya ang pinagtitirikan ng bahay namin, hindi kami nag-aral. Paano na lang ang salinlahi namin?” Muñoz said.
(For us indigenous peoples, the land is our life. It is where we build our houses, we were not able to go to school. How about our future generations?)
Tulfo also cited these concerns as the basis for the resolution.
“The concerns expressed by citizens, local communities, indigenous people, members of the scientific community, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders underscore the importance of ensuring that public participation and meaningful consultation remain integral components of the planning, evaluation, and implementation of projects of national significance,” the lawmaker said.
- Latest
- Trending